Except for VisionOS, Apple Makes Every Next-generation OS Updates Available Via Public Beta

Today, Apple is moving one step closer to releasing its next generation of operating systems: Today, Apple released the first public beta versions of tvOS 18, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, and HomePod Software 18. You can choose the public beta builds from Software Update in the Settings app if you register for Apple's public beta program using your Apple ID.

When these releases were first announced in June at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, we covered their highlights. These included expanded customization options for the home screen in iOS and iPadOS, window tiling and iPhone mirroring in macOS, support for RCS text messaging on all Apple platforms, and more. However, Apple is still hesitant to reveal a sneak peek at its Apple Intelligence AI features, which include a redesigned Siri and text and image generating capabilities. Numerous features are still scheduled for "later this summer," though they will probably be included in one way or another in the final releases this fall.

The majority of devices—including owners of the most recent Intel Mac generations—that are capable of running iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14 Sonoma will be able to update to the new releases. However, the 2018 MacBook Air and a few other outdated smartphones and tablets are being replaced by the new models. Along with the first-generation Apple Watch SE, the Series 4 and Series 5 units are also being removed from the watchOS 11 update.

Additionally, Apple is not making available a public beta version of VisionOS 2, the first significant operating system update for the Apple Vision Pro. For the time being at least, those who wish to test out new Vision Pro features beforehand will still need to sign up for the developer beta.

Beta Best Practices

The third developer beta builds that were made available last week bear similarities, if not exact differences, with the initial public betas. We anticipate the release of a fourth developer beta early next week, followed shortly after by a nearly identical public beta build. Apple typically releases fresh developer betas of next-generation OS releases every two weeks.

There used to be a clearer separation between Apple's developer and public beta builds, with a paywall for developer accounts costing $99 annually separating average users from the first, less polished preview builds. This was altered last year when Apple offered free basic developer accounts to anyone wishing to register, along with access to beta software.

Although Apple continues to provide distinct builds for developers and the general public, this is no longer so much a technical restriction as it is a declaration of who the betas are ready for. Public betas are still imperfect and unstable, but you can at least anticipate that most fundamental functionality will perform as intended. Developer betas are more abrasive and obviously unfinished, but developers probably have the extra time and technical know-how to handle these issues.

No matter how reliable these betas turn out to be, the same cautions still hold true: Prior to updating, create a reliable backup of your device in case you need to return to the previous, more reliable operating system. You should also avoid installing beta software on gear that is essential to your daily functioning and mission-critical. Performing a local backup (ideally encrypted) on iPhones and iPads connected to iCloud via a PC or Mac can be a more reliable method of ensuring you have a backup before an upgrade occurs than depending solely on iCloud backups running continuously.